Swedish actor Dolph Lundgren cast in spin-off of fantasy series The Witcher

Action legend Dolph Lundgren (Rocky IV) has joined the Witcher universe on Netflix. During an interview with Sweden's Aftonbladet, Lundgren revealed that he's currently in South Africa shooting a spin-off series of The Witcher, likely the upcoming series about the Rats, a group of thieves debuting in season three of the main series. However, he did not specifically disclose what role it is.

In Andrzej Sapkowski's original The Witcher novels, the Rats are a team of young misfits who band together after the raging war on the continent disrupts their lives. One of the Rats members, Mistle, even has a controversial abusive relationship with Ciri, which will hopefully be changed for Netflix's adaptation. The third season of The Witcher will adapt Time of Contempt, the third book in Sapkowski's series of novels, which introduces the Rats.



The gang of criminals will not only be part of season three, but will also have its own prequel spin-off series, telling how these young people decided to lead a life of crime. Since the Rats are made up of teenagers and young adults, it's hard to imagine Lundgren (pictured) being part of the group. But since the Rats' story is intertwined with ruthless bounty hunter Leo Bonhart, Lundgren could be the spinoff's main antagonist. If that's the case, Lundgren should move quickly to the main series, as Bonhart also crosses Ciri's path several times.

During his interview, Lundgren did not reveal any details about his role in the Witcher universe. Still, Lundgren has a knack for playing gritty warriors who steal the limelight, from the Rocky franchise to The Expendables. So Lundgren would be perfectly suited to play Bonhart. Even if not, there's reason to be excited about Lundgren's arrival in the Witcher universe, which has been in need of reinforcement since the departure of lead actor Henry Cavill has shaken fan confidence in Netflix's adaptation.

Season three of The Witcher marks Cavill's final appearance as Geralt of Rivia. From the fourth season, Liam Hemsworth will take over the role and continue the legacy of the monster hunter. Season three of the series follows Geralt and Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) as they continue to train Ciri (Freya Allan) in magic and combat. The girl will need these skills as her legendary Elder Blood makes her a target of the many factions fighting to take over the continent. In addition, season three will also put some interdimensional hunters on Ciri's trail, as the Wild Hunt is expected to become a prominent part of the series.

Season three of The Witcher will be divided into two parts. The first part debuts on Netflix on June 29, and part 2 comes to the streamer on July 27.